Steve Prescott has become the latest former England star to switch his allegiance to Ireland. The Hull Sharks full-back, who made two appearances for England in 1996, qualifies for Ireland under a grandparents ruling. He will now represent Ireland against France and Scotland in November, following in the footsteps of fellow ex-England players Mick Cassidy, Tommy Martyn, Adrian Morley and Gary Connolly. "Steve's decision means we will now have a very strong squad for the tournament," said the Ireland coach Steve O'Neill.